Thursday, March 28, 2019 On Thursday, April 4, the Maine Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry will hear LD 1311. The bill would strike “pet shop” from the definition of “seller” and prohibit any seller (i.e., owner or operator of a breeding kennel or animal dealer licensed by United States Department of Agriculture) from selling […]

Responsible breeders work hard to keep their litters safe and happy in the kennel, but puppies are known for their inquisitive natures and ability to find trouble. While choosing the right owner is the first step in ensuring a healthy life, even the best match can't keep all puppies away from unexpected accidents. To help […]

In the article “Why You Should Get the AKC Pet Insurance 30-Day Certificate” featured in the July issue, you heard a real-life story that demonstrated just how beneficial sending your puppies home with insurance can be in the event of an emergency. Thankfully, emergency situations are few and far between; but as we all know, […]

From Our Nation's Capitol The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the […]

You’ve probably heard the philosophical question, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”  AKC club members may wish to ponder a similar question, “If your club does great things for dogs, do your lawmakers know?” Positive publicity in the media and in […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Arkansas – HB 1778 seeks to require a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 and either imprisonment for […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in U.S. Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced […]

Monday, March 25, 2019 The Maine Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry held a hearing March 19th on LD 1049, which seeks to provide alternative consumer protection remedies for a buyer of a dog with a life expectancy of less than one year, along with other remedies for a dog with a life expectancy of […]

March 15, 2019 A bill making numerous changes to Iowa’s breeder laws continues to move through the Iowa House of Representatives. While some changes are a positive advancement, there are many concerning provisions that could unnecessarily harm dogs and responsible dog owners and breeders. Due to Iowa legislative procedures, House Study Bill 227, which passed […]

As breeders, exhibitors and club members, we would all likely agree that our dogs have a powerful effect on almost everything we do. For many of us, dogs have changed our lives in incredible ways. I am certainly no exception. Never could I have guessed back in 1965 that a Bedlington Terrier from Gimbel’s department […]